The Togolese striker has been in good form on loan at Tottenham, scoring nine Premier League goals so far this season, and although it has delighted Mancini, he could not say whether he would be back at Etihad Stadium next season.

"We had four strikers. I think with four strikers you can play one year. I am happy for Manu because he is playing very well for Tottenham,” he said ahead of Sunday’s clash between the clubs in which Adebayor is ineligible.

"I don't know in this moment (if he has a future here).

"I said I am happy because I watched a lot of games and he has played very well, scored a lot of goals.

"Sometimes it is possible that you have a situation like this - you have good players but he wants to play always. This is difficult in a top team.

"When you have three or four strong strikers you need to change. If you have one striker who needs to play always it is not easy."